Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with Colbert Law?

Getting started is simple. Reach out to Managing Attorney Joseph Colbert directly and he will personally assess your legal needs and outline a clear, cost-effective strategy to address them. Whether you are a board member, a managing agent, or a business owner, we pride ourselves on being exceptionally responsive, accessible, and attentive to every client we serve, so you are never left waiting when it matters most.

What areas of law does Colbert Law specialize in?

Colbert Law provides premier corporate and litigation counsel, with a deep and abiding focus on Condominium, Co-op, and Homeowners Association (HOA) Law. We serve as General Counsel to more than 300 boards, guiding them through governance, special and annual meetings, license, access and other agreements, employment and labor matters, construction defect claims, insurance disputes, and litigation of every kind. We also act as transfer agent for many of our cooperative clients, streamlining share transactions and reducing administrative burdens for boards and managing agents alike. Beyond community association work, Colbert Law offers comprehensive representation in Business Law, Commercial Real Estate Transactions, Technology & Data Privacy, Employment Law, Estate Planning and Administration, and Tax Audits.

Where is Colbert Law located, and what areas do you serve?

Led by Managing Attorney Joseph Colbert, the firm provides strategic counsel across New York and Connecticut. We maintain three physical office locations to serve our clients:

Manhattan Office: 315 Madison Avenue, Suite 4032, New York, NY 10017

Westchester Office: 44 South Broadway, 21st Floor, White Plains, NY 10601

Connecticut Office: 55 Post Road W, 2nd Floor, Westport, CT 06880

How does Colbert Law help Condo, Coop and HOA boards with their governance?

For over 30 years, Colbert Law has stood beside boards and their managing agents as a trusted partner in governance. We have guided boards through virtually every issue imaginable, from interpreting and enforcing bylaws and house rules to managing contentious meetings, board elections, and owner disputes. Our proactive, practical approach helps boards make confident decisions, minimize liability, and keep their communities running smoothly, so you can focus on serving your residents rather than worrying about legal exposure.

How does Colbert Law assist Condo and Co-op Boards with unpaid common charges or maintenance?

Timely enforcement is critical to protecting a building’s financial health. As detailed in our recent publication, “Winning the Common Charge Battle,” we deliver aggressive, cost-effective strategies that help boards and managing agents prevail against defiant unit owners and recover outstanding fees quickly. Whether through firm, well-timed communications that motivate late payers, civil money judgment actions, foreclosure of common charge liens, or non-judicial UCC foreclosure of cooperative shares, we tailor our approach to resolve your arrears efficiently and protect your bottom line.

What legal protections do boards have when adjacent properties begin construction?

Adjacent construction projects carry substantial structural and litigation risks for neighboring buildings. Our firm routinely advises boards on negotiating RPAPL § 881 license agreements, ensuring that critical terms—such as complete fee and expense reimbursement, indemnification, and insurance coverage-are legally mandated to protect your property’s integrity. When necessary, we bring and defend proceedings concerning licenses and access, keeping your building and its residents shielded from the costs and disruptions of a neighbor’s work.

What are the litigation risks surrounding “Limited Common Elements” in condominiums?

“Limited Common Elements” frequently trigger complex derivative action threats from unit owners. We actively work with condominium boards and property managers to establish clear modern governance and rigorous rule-making frameworks that mitigate these precise liability risks.

What commercial real estate services does Colbert Law provide?

We guide corporate clients through the entire life cycle of a commercial real estate transaction. This includes corporate entity creation, land acquisition, securement of governmental approvals (land use, zoning, variances), environmental assessments, construction permitting, and title insurance navigation. We also draft, review, and litigate disputes regarding complex commercial lease provisions.

Does a “Good Guy Guaranty” survive a commercial tenant’s bankruptcy?

Navigating commercial tenant defaults requires precise legal drafting. Following critical precedents like 387 Park S. L.L.C. v. Schulman, Colbert Law reviews and structures Good Guy Guaranties to ensure they remain enforceable and effectively protect landlords even through a tenant’s bankruptcy termination.

How does the firm handle employment law disputes?

Colbert Law represents both employers and employees in workplace planning and dispute resolution. We negotiate and litigate matters involving severance agreements, breach of contract, discrimination, and compliance disputes, always working to protect our clients’ professional, financial, and family interests. For our board and managing agent clients, we also advise on the employment and labor issues unique to residential buildings, including staffing, union relations, and personnel policies.

What business law services does Colbert Law offer?

From formation to exit, we serve as outside general counsel to businesses of every size. We form corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, draft and negotiate the contracts that drive your operations, advise on governance and ownership disputes, and represent you in commercial litigation when negotiations break down. Our goal is to be a practical, business-minded partner who helps you grow while managing risk at every stage.

How does Colbert Law help with technology and data privacy?

As businesses and residential communities collect more sensitive information, compliance and security have become essential. We advise clients on data privacy obligations, draft technology and software agreements, review vendor and cloud contracts, and help you respond to data incidents. For our board and managing agent clients, we also address the privacy concerns that arise from resident records, building technology, and surveillance systems.

Can Colbert Law help with estate planning and administration?

Yes. We help individuals and families protect their legacies through thoughtful, personalized estate plans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. When the time comes, we guide executors and beneficiaries through probate and estate administration with sensitivity and efficiency, easing the burden during a difficult time.

What should I do if I am facing a tax audit?

A tax audit can be stressful, but you do not have to face it alone. Colbert Law represents individuals and businesses before federal and state taxing authorities, managing communications, organizing documentation, and advocating on your behalf to achieve the best possible resolution. We work to protect your rights, minimize your exposure, and bring the matter to a swift close.

How do I schedule a consultation?

We would welcome the opportunity to learn about your needs. Contact Colbert Law by phone or email, or through the contact form on www.colbertlaw.us, to schedule a consultation at any of our Manhattan, Westchester, or Connecticut offices. Boards and managing agents are encouraged to reach out for a no-obligation discussion about how we can support your community.